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Current Status of Massage Therapy Regulation

Massage therapy regulation in Manitoba is currently in the early stages of planning.

As of June 16, 2026, the Manitoba government has registered the Practice of Massage Therapy Regulation (M.R. 48/2026) under The Regulated Health Professions Act. 

This regulation formally designates massage therapy as a regulated health profession in the province and establishes the future College of Massage Therapists of Manitoba.

The regulation also sets out a high-level scope of practice, including the assessment and treatment of soft tissues and joints to support function, relieve pain, and promote health.

While this represents an important step forward, implementation is still in the early stages. Key details, such transitional council appointments, registration requirements, transition processes, and timelines, are still to come.

What this means right now:

  • massage therapists do not need to take any immediate action
  • practice can continue as usual
  • additional requirements will be introduced over time as the College is established

Transitional Council for Massage Therapists

A Transitional Council (TC) for Massage Therapists will be created by Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care to develop the profession-specific regulations for massage therapy and establish the new College of Massage Therapists.

The TC will develop the College requirements for registration, certificates of practice, continued competency, standards of practice, etc., as well as bylaws and code of ethics.

Until the College is established, the TC may appoint a registrar and board of assessors to perform administrative tasks relating to massage therapist registration. They will also be responsible for reporting to the Minister of Health.

Once the College is established under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the TC will function as the College Council until a new Council is formed per the College bylaws.

More Information About Regulation

Please see the general FAQ on massage therapy regulation for the difference between a regulatory body and a professional association and other general information.

Pre-Transitional Council

The NHPC and the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) have collaborated on regulation since 2015. 

When the Manitoba Minister of Health approved the Health Professions Advisory Council (HPAC) recommendation to regulate massage therapy under the RHPA, the two associations were asked to prepare information that would support drafting College regulations.

They worked together to address the key concerns of regulation, including:

  • educational standards for applicants/members
  • levels of therapist competency
  • entry requirements
  • review of costs, expenses, and fee structure for the College

For more information on the historical work between the NHPC and MTAM, read the Joint Summary on Regulation of Massage Therapy in Manitoba (PDF).